Teaching study skills to college students using checklist training

Deficits in the study skills of college students can lead to lower academic performance and disqualification. Although behavior analytic research has evaluated strategies for improving student performance in the classroom, no studies have evaluated methods for improving study skills outside of the classroom. We evaluated the effects of a training package that consisted of instructions, written checklists, picture models, and performance feedback using a multiple probe design across skill sets of college students. We taught four college students how to set up their study environment, take notes on readings, and self-test using their notes from readings. All participants exhibited improvements in targeted study skills during training, and three of four participants achieved mastery within two training sessions per skill set. Acquisition of targeted skill sets corresponded with increased scores on quizzes that assessed learning from the readings. Moreover, participants found the goals and procedures acceptable and the outcomes satisfactory.